My 'boss' has thrown me a life-line, at least for a few weeks. Perhaps it was the sight of me moving around the campus on crutches - not a good look. Or maybe it was my outburst to her secretary: if I win the Lotto I will be resigning immediately. Apparently I had accumulated 34 sick days which I didn't know about because I haven't worked in the public service for 30 years. So until I go back at the beginning of next term I am trying as hard as I can to get myself sorted.
I am able to walk some distance without the crutches and as both feet are now burning sometimes, swims, very short surfs and walks in the ocean help. One of our unsafe local beaches has developed a large shallow pond which was great for the kids during the summer break. It's also just the right depth for two water-loving retriever toy poodles.
As I was absent-mindedly throwing and wading a young woman seemed to be hurrying back along the beach. She scrambled over some rocks to get to me and pointed upward: watch your dogs, there's a wedgetailed eagle above you. I was a bit surprised, then remembered that wedgetails will take lambs out of the paddock. I hadn't seen it because I had my Akubra on, but there it was, wheeling just 15 foot above my head eyeing the poodles off as convenient takeaways. Extraordinary - this bird is one of my favourites, but it wasn't having my poodles for a snack. Regardless, I took it as a sign that things were starting to look up.
